By Jimmy Zwane | 17 October 2025
The University of Fort Hare has suspended all operations following violent disturbances in which multiple campus buildings were set ablaze. At its Alice Campus in the Eastern Cape, petrol bombs were used to firebomb several structures—including the main administrative block and the student affairs building.
While the university and police report no fatalities, a student leader speaking to the SABC claimed two students were wounded during confrontations with security personnel. The unrest is said to have been sparked by controversies over student governance and calls for the removal of Vice‑Chancellor Prof. Sakhela Buhlungu.
Founded in 1916, the University of Fort Hare is among South Africa’s oldest institutions. It’s famous for educating many iconic anti‑apartheid and Pan‑Africanist leaders, including Nelson Mandela, Robert Mugabe, and Seretse Khama.
Videos circulating online show thick smoke rising from burning buildings. Prof. Buhlungu stated that the “large‑scale destruction of property” reveals that the university is facing “much bigger issues with a significant component of sponsored violence and criminality.”
The university ordered students to vacate the campus by 17:00 local time (15:00 GMT) on Thursday, citing safety concerns and the disruption of academic programmes caused by the actions of a few. Police spokesperson Siphokazi Mawisa confirmed that four buildings had been set alight, and noted the atmosphere remains “tense.”
Despite being removed from the grounds, students have vowed to carry on with their protests, according to local media reports. A student leader, Asonele Magwaxaza, told the SABC the students are “angry… frustrated because they have been suppressed” by university management. Education authorities are reportedly scheduled to meet with student representatives later on Thursday in an attempt to address the situation.
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